Ivan Tykovsky is a security guard at Hinkleman’s Department store and has come to despise the shopping element of Christmas. The holiday season means his workload of apprehending shoplifters and breaking up fights over merchandise increases.<br><br>When the Santa the store has booked shows up drunk, the six foot six, 240 pound, red-bearded Jewish giant is forced to stand in. Ivan isn’t happy about the idea, but there’s one compensation -- the diminutive Skip Mueller, an out-of-work actor who’s been hired as one of Santa’s elves. Skip comes to Ivan’s rescue, coaching the big man through his dealings with the children.<br><br>Ivan becomes an instant celebrity, and when a permanent replacement Santa is found, the store’s customers demand Ivan’s return. Will there be a special Christmas gift this year for a certain Jewish Santa and his special elf?

Santa? Seriously?

As they stood waiting to go in, Ivan could hear the sound of excited children who had come to see Santa. A deep apprehension stole over him.


Ivan grabbed Skip by his pointed, jingle bell collar. “You stick close to me,” he growled as he pulled the elf to his side.


Mrs. Prins walked up and down the line, giving out instructions and encouragement. When she got to Ivan she stopped, looked him up and down, shook her head, sighed, and moved on.


She gave the signal to the band. They burst into “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”


Ivan could hear cheers from the crowd just beyond the doors. He looked down at Skip. The elf gave him a weak, reassuring smile. It did little for Ivan’s confidence. He threw his bag over his shoulder, but stood as if turned to stone as the elves started through the doors following the band


Skip tugged on his hand. “Come on!” he said, trying to get the huge man to move.


Ivan grunted and moved stiffly forward.


“Relax, smile, and wave,” Skip said forcefully.


Chapter 4